Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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575. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has considered increasing the wage of Irish Defence Forces personnel to bring it in line with European Union counterparts and in response to increased inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34288/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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While I am not in a position to comment on the pay structures of Defence Forces in individual member States of the European Union, the Deputy will be aware that remuneration for individual members of this State's Permanent Defence Force is dependent on a range of factors relating to the role and duties they perform. The minimum for trained personnel is comprised of Basic Pay and Military Service Allowance (MSA). In addition to this, a range of duties attract additional allowances.

The recent Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, which is significant and wide-ranging, includes an examination of the evolution of remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces. The Report makes a number of recommendations in this regard, including on pay structures, on pay review, and on pay bargaining and ICTU. These recommendations are significant and require detailed consideration, and I will shortly revert to Government with a proposed response to them, along with a high-level action plan. Given the significant recommendations contained within the Report, I have been engaging with all interested stakeholders on the content, including my Ministerial colleagues, members of the Defence Forces, and the Representative Associations.

In relation to Public Sector Pay policy, the Deputy may be aware that this matter is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, having regard to Public Sector Pay Agreements.

The current public service pay agreement, ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ provides for increases in pay and allowances to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces. Most recently a general round increase in annualised basic salary of 1% or €500, whichever was the greater, came into effect on 1st October 2021. In addition, fixed periodic pensionable allowances and allowances in the nature of pay were also increased by 1% on this date.

The agreement provided for further increases in 2022, i.e.:

- The equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Agreement, on 1st February 2022.

- A general round increase in annualized basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500 (whichever is greater), on 1st October 2022. Fixed periodic pensionable allowances and allowances in the nature of pay will be increased by 1% on this date.

Notably, all Defence Force personnel also receive three additional public holidays over and above the public sector norms. These additional holidays are specific only to members of the Permanent Defence Force.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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576. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has considered the acquisition of a heavy lift transport jet for the Irish Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34289/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government’s priority is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible. This is primarily to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.

In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.

Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process. A five year Equipment Development Plan for continued re-equipment was developed on a civil military basis and was published in June 2020.  The Equipment Planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process.

The development of a strategic airlift capability for the Air Corps although desirable, and while at pre planning stage, requires an informed approach and full consideration. It has not been prioritised in light of other equipment priorities and funding availability and no decisions have been made in respect of the purchase or leasing of aircraft in other roles such as a heavy lift transport jet. 

As with all capital investment decisions, costing over €10 million, the requirements of the Public Spending Code would need to be met, covering the various steps required in assessing the viability of the proposal and those associated with relevant decision-making and potential subsequent public investment in any additional aircraft.

The White Paper provides for the replacement of the CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft with larger more capable aircraft, which would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was signed with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019.  The cost of the contract, including equipment fit-out and ancillary support, is approximately €228.3 million including VAT. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2023.

The principal role of the C295 is maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection. It also enables the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, search and rescue and a general utility role

This investment in new Maritime Patrol Aircraft for the Air Corps, which is underpinned by the White Paper on Defence, is an indication of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all branches of the Defence Forces continue to retain a range of flexible conventional military capabilities in order to meet the roles assigned.

The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and I, as Minister for Defence, welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission on 9th February last.  The Commission has undertaken a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference.  It recommends significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.

Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations has been undertaken over the last four months by my Department and the Defence Forces.  This has involved significant inter-departmental consultation, and I and my officials have engaged with key stakeholders to ascertain their views. Following this engagement, I intend to return to Government with a proposed response to the Commission’s recommendations and a high-level action plan before the Summer recess.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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577. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which incidents of sexual abuse in the Defence Forces have been fully investigated and appropriate action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34446/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am fully committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake their duties in a safe environment underpinned by dignity and equality and by a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse.

As I have previously advised, the work of the Judge-led Independent Review Group (IRG), established on 25 January last, to examine issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct, as well as workplace culture, in the Defence Forces, is well underway.

In accordance with the Terms of Reference the Group will:

- Advise me on whether the current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices for addressing incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace are effective;

- Independently assess whether the pervading culture in the workplace is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces and thirdly;

- Will provide recommendations and guidance on measures and strategies required to underpin a workplace based on dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.

Over the last twenty years since the 2002 publication of the External Advisory Group on the Defence Forces and the three subsequent reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG), a number of reforms have been implemented for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including harassment, sexual harassment and bullying, which are contained in policy documents and in Defence Force Regulation.

Defence Force Regulation A7, provides the regulatory framework for dealing with any allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace for serving members, in both a formal and informal way through a trained Designated Contact Person (DCP) network.

Within this framework, Administrative Instruction A7, Chapter 1 sets out the Defence Forces policy and procedures regarding interpersonal relationships in the Defence Forces including bullying and harassment, in order to deter unacceptable behaviour and promote a service environment based on mutual respect, equality and professionalism. Chapter 2 of Administrative Instruction A7 provides another formal mechanism for members, under Section 114 (1) and 114 (2) of the Defence Act, 1954, to seek redress of wrongs or to make a complaint. Complaints may be submitted orally or in writing to the complainants Commanding Officer, or in the case where they feel themselves wronged by their Commanding Officer, may complain to the Chief of Staff. Notifications are sent to my office and the office of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces formally when any Chapter 2 complaint is submitted and of its subsequent outcome.

Under this mechanism there exists further recourse for the complaint to be referred to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces for investigation and recommendation if appropriate. The Ombudsman, as the Deputy is aware, is entirely independent in carrying out his functions in line with the provisions of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces Act, 2004, and his final report, which may include a recommendation on each complaint, is submitted to me for determination.

The Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan additionally aims to ensure that a transparent culture exists, that encourages personnel to report inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

Despite the reforms that have taken place in recent years however, it is clear from the experiences shared by both current and former members of the Defence Forces that the culture that is pervading, and the application of these policies, systems and procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well.

This Independent Review is therefore a necessary and critical step to fulfill my duty of care obligation to the men and women of the Defence Forces, to provide a safe work environment. The serving members of the Defence Forces, expect nothing less.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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578. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of each branch of the Defence Forces including the Army Reserves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34447/22]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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588. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which the strength of operability of all branches of the Defence Forces are regularly monitored to ensure their readiness in the event of an emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34457/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 578 and 588 together.

The manpower requirements of the Defence Forces continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services to ensure they maintain their operational capability.

The current strength of the Defence Forces as at 31st May 2022 is as follows:

WTE - Whole Time Equivalent

The Government remains committed to returning to the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) of 9,500 and, in that context, a number of initiatives are being implemented to counter current staffing challenges that will play a role in restoring and retaining capacity.

In respect of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF), the White Paper on Defence is quite clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve and that requirement will be addressed. While the commitment to restoring the strength of the RDF is not in doubt, the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Given the competing recruitment demands at present, PDF recruitment is, and will remain a priority. However, RDF recruitment will continue to be progressed to the greatest extent possible.

The work of the Commission on the Defence Forces included deliberation on the appropriate capabilities and staffing of both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force. Consideration of the recommendations of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces is ongoing. I intend to revert shortly to Government with a proposed response to those recommendations and a high-level action plan, which will set out proposed timelines and oversight arrangements for its implementation.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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579. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which action is being taken to ensure that the Defence Forces are properly equipped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34448/22]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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584. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which military equipment is being upgraded in each branch of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34453/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 579 and 584 together.

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. 

In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.

Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process. A five year Equipment Development Plan for continued re-equipment was developed on a civil military basis and was published in June 2020.  The Equipment Planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process.

The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566m over the 2022-2025 timeframe. Within that capital allocation the Defence annual capital budget for 2022 is €141m. Over recent years the capital budget has also been augmented through the reallocation of pay savings.

There are a number of defensive equipment acquisition and upgrade projects for which there will be capital expenditure in the coming years. These include the midlife upgrade of the Army's fleet of 80 Mowag Piranha III Armoured Personnel Carrier vehicles which is well underway as well as the completion of the delivery of an additional 30 Armoured Utility Vehicles. The Army's non-armoured fleet continues to be updated also with over 220 vehicles due for delivery in 2022.    

In relation to air-based capability, the programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. Alongside the recently acquired PC-12 aircraft some €276 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities.  

The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme is ongoing and the programme includes radar and other equipment upgrades along with the replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches. The programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of LÉ Róisín has been completed, while works are ongoing on LÉ Niamh. Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of multi-role vessel to replace the flagship, LÉ Eithne, with work underway that will inform a public tender competition in due course. Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, it is expected these vessels will be transported to Ireland in 2023 following the completion of a programme of works. The planned replacement of three vessels maintains a 9 ship fleet for the Naval Service.

The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and I, as Minister for Defence, welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission on 9th February last.  The Commission has undertaken a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference.  It recommends significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.

Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations has been undertaken over the last four months by my Department and the Defence Forces.  This has involved significant inter-departmental consultation, and I and my officials have engaged with key stakeholders to ascertain their views. Following this engagement, I intend to return to Government with a proposed response to the Commission’s recommendations and a high-level action plan before the Summer recess.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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580. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which adequate coastal surveillance can be undertaken by the Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34449/22]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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581. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which Air Corps and Naval Service coastal surveillance continues to be focused on the prevention of drug running or other illegal activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34450/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 580 and 581 together.

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

The Naval Service, as the State's principal sea-going agency, is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main day to day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks such as search and rescue, diving operations, drugs interdiction as well as many more. At any one time, the Naval Service can have a number of ships that are on active operations around the Irish EEZ whilst a number of others are undergoing routine resupply, maintenance and down time for ships companies.

The Naval Service maintain a close working relationship with Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC (N)) the EU anti-drugs agency. In 2021, the Defence Forces, in particular the Naval Service and Air Corps received the MAOC (N) Medal of Excellence for their work in assisting in the interception of Trans National Organised Crime vessels transporting drugs to Europe.

The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using the two CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft. These aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment that offers aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the Irish EEZ.

The multi-faceted nature of the role of the Defence Forces in Irish life is an aspect of our Military that I am particularly proud of and this is a key feature of both the Air Corps and Naval Service.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The Commission was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and I, as Minister for Defence, welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission on 9th February last. The Commission has undertaken a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommends significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.

Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations has been undertaken over the last four months by my Department and the Defence Forces. This has involved significant inter-departmental consultation, and I and my officials have engaged with key stakeholders to ascertain their views. Following this engagement, I intend to return to Government with a proposed response to the Commission’s recommendations and a high-level action plan before the summer recess.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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582. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of women currently occupying senior ranks in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34451/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the military authorities that, as at 31st May 2022, the whole time equivalent strength of female personnel in the Permanent Defence Force was 586, comprised of 477 Army personnel, 40 Air Corps personnel and 69 Naval Service personnel. The attached table provides the requested breakdown of strength by rank and by Branch.

The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation.

In the context of the White Paper on Defence, a specific project is ongoing to conduct a survey to identify any impediments to the advancement of women in the Permanent Defence Force.

Furthermore, the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces included, inter alia, consideration of gender, recruitment and retention matters. Consideration of the Commission’s recommendations is ongoing and I intend to revert shortly to Government with a proposed response to those recommendations and a high-level action plan, which will set out proposed timelines and oversight arrangements for its implementation.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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583. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which provisions are in hand to ensure that the Defence Forces are paid in accordance with their duties, experience, dedication and associated risk with their employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34452/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware,  remuneration for individual members of the Permanent Defence Force is dependent on a range of factors relating to the role and duties they perform. The minimum for trained personnel is comprised of Basic Pay and Military Service Allowance (MSA). In addition to this, a range of duties attract additional allowances. All Defence Force personnel also receive three additional public holidays over and above the public sector norms. These additional holidays are specific only to members of the Permanent Defence Force. 

In relation to Public Sector Pay policy, the Deputy may be aware that this matter is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, having regard to Public Sector Pay Agreements.

The current public service pay agreement, ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ provides for increases in pay and allowances to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces. Most recently a general round increase in annualised basic salary of 1% or €500, whichever was the greater, came into effect on 1st October 2021. In addition, fixed periodic pensionable allowances and allowances in the nature of pay were also increased by 1% on this date.

The agreement provided for further increases in 2022, i.e.:

- The equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Agreement, on 1st February 2022.

- A general round increase in annualized basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500 (whichever is greater), on 1st October 2022. Fixed periodic pensionable allowances and allowances in the nature of pay will be increased by 1% on this date. 

The Government remains fully committed to addressing pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. The Programme for Government provided for the establishment of a Commission on the Defence Forces, and the Commission's report included an examination of the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces, and made recommendations in this regard.

Given the significant recommendations contained in this Report, I have been engaging with all interested stakeholders on the content, including my Ministerial colleagues, members of the Defence Forces, and the Representative Associations. I will revert to Government very shortly with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in this regard. In terms of any subsequent implementation of the recommendations, the Representative Associations will be consulted on matters arising, that fall within the scope of representation. 

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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585. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which ongoing training takes place in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34454/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The primary function of training in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government.

The Defence Forces conduct training under four broad categories, namely: Leadership, Skills, Career, and Collective. Leadership Training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in international operations. Skills Training ensures that Defence Forces personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career Training, and education, provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together, to develop integrated and coherent combat forces.

The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements.

The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms of the organisation against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland.

The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards and engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.

I remain committed to ensuring that all personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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586. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which remuneration in respect of overseas deployments of the Defence Forces continue to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34455/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In addition to their standard remuneration, Defence Force personnel receive tax-free payments for certain overseas deployments and duties.

The current rates are available on the Defence Force website and are accessible via the following link: www.military.ie/en/careers/faqs/defence-forces-rates-of-pay/

Where members of the Defence Forces acquire technical qualifications and/or fill associated appointments, associated technical pay and a range of allowances are available for certain duties performed.

It is also worthwhile noting that the current public service pay agreement, ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ provides for increases in pay and allowances to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces. A general round increase in annualised basic salary of 1% or €500, whichever was the greater, came into effect on 1st October 2021. In addition to this, fixed periodic pensionable allowances, as well as allowances in the nature of pay, were also increased by 1% on this date.

This current pay agreement also provides for further increases in 2022, namely:

- The equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Agreement, on 1st February 2022 last.

- A general round increase in annualised basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater on 1st October 2022. Fixed periodic pensionable allowances and allowances in the nature of pay will also be increased by 1% on this date.